Tag Archive | "Japan"

They are believed to be part of some 63,000 frozen beef cutlets that Ichibanya Co., a curry restaurant operator based in Ichinomiya, Aichi Prefecture, asked the waste disposal company Daiko to dump the meat last August and October.

Daiko, based in Inazawa, Aichi Prefecture, sold at least some of the products to one or more parties instead of disposing of them, it has been learned.

The Aichi Prefectural Government and other authorities are investigating the incident while also calling on consumers who purchased the cutlets to return them to the shops where they were purchased.

SMAP, one of the most popular and longest-lived Japanese pop groups, pledged to continue as a group Monday, days after media reports that they were on the verge of breaking up, as grieving of fans in Japan and other Asian countries apparently moved them. (Kyodo)The number of foreign passengers on international flights using Kansai International Airport in Osaka Prefecture topped 10 million in 2015 for the first time since it opened in 1994. (Japan Times)Heavy snow fell in parts of eastern and northeastern Japan early Monday, with snowfall reaching 6 centimeters in downtown Tokyo, resulting in injuries to more than 100 people and disruptions to transport. (Japan Today)A key index on the Tokyo Stock Exchange dipped below 17,0Ǡ points on Monday for the first time since last September. (NHK)About 7,500 lit bamboo lanterns form the date “1.17″ and the kanji characters for “mirai” (future) at the Higashi Yuenchi amusument park in Chuo Ward, Kobe, early Sunday morning, the 21st anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake. (the-japan-news.com)A minimum of 27,000 beef cutlets that should have been disposed out of fear they could include foreign objects were apparently sold to consumers. (Japan Times)Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said Monday that Japan’s economy is recovering moderately, though its exports and production have been affected by the slowing of emerging economies including China. (Kyodo)As much as we love the hustle and bustle of big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, it’s the secret, secluded sites in Japan that truly blow us away. One of the most stunning locations you’ll find off the beaten track is Motonosumi Inari Shrine in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, where 123 red torii shrine gates wind down along a mountain towards a cliff overlooking the Sea of Japan. (rocketnews24.com)Tokyo police have conducted an anti-terrorism drill, including the seizure of a suspicious drone by using an interceptor drone, ahead of the Tokyo Marathon next month. (Japan Times)Young kimono-clad women fired arrows in a New Year’s archery event at a Buddhist temple in Japan’s old capital of Kyoto on Sunday. (NHK)

SMAP, one of the most popular and longest-lived Japanese pop groups, pledged to continue as a group Monday, days after media reports that they were on the verge of breaking up, as grieving of fans in Japan and other Asian countries apparently moved them. (Kyodo)The number of foreign passengers on international flights using Kansai International Airport in Osaka Prefecture topped 10 million in 2015 for the first time since it opened in 1994. (Japan Times)Heavy snow fell in parts of eastern and northeastern Japan early Monday, with snowfall reaching 6 centimeters in downtown Tokyo, resulting in injuries to more than 100 people and disruptions to transport. (Japan Today)A key index on the Tokyo Stock Exchange dipped below 17,000 points on Monday for the first time since last September. (NHK)About 7,500 lit bamboo lanterns form the date “1.17″ and the kanji characters for “mirai” (future) at the Higashi Yuenchi amusument park in Chuo Ward, Kobe, early Sunday morning, the 21st anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake. (the-japan-news.com)A minimum of 27,000 beef cutlets that should have been disposed out of fear they could include foreign objects were apparently sold to consumers. (Japan Times)Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said Monday that Japan’s economy is recovering moderately, though its exports and production have been affected by the slowing of emerging economies including China. (Kyodo)As much as we love the hustle and bustle of big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, it’s the secret, secluded sites in Japan that truly blow us away. One of the most stunning locations you’ll find off the beaten track is Motonosumi Inari Shrine in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, where 123 red torii shrine gates wind down along a mountain towards a cliff overlooking the Sea of Japan. (rocketnewⴄ.com)Tokyo police have conducted an anti-terrorism drill, including the seizure of a suspicious drone by using an interceptor drone, ahead of the Tokyo Marathon next month. (Japan Times)Young kimono-clad women fired arrows in a New Year’s archery event at a Buddhist temple in Japan’s old capital of Kyoto on Sunday. (NHK)

Shares were sold across the board immediately after the Tokyo market opened on Monday. The move came after share prices plunged in US and European markets on Friday.

The Nikkei average of 225 selected issues fell more than 480 points at one point.

Later, there were moves to buy back the shares that had fallen, but the Nikkei index ended the day’s trading at 16,955, down 191 points from Friday’s close.

The Nikkei index has dropped by more than 2,000 points this year.

#nikkei TweetsA key index on the Tokyo Stock Exchange dipped below 17,000 points on Monday for the first time since last September. (NHK)Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said Monday that Japan’s economy is recovering moderately, though its exports and production have been affected by the slowing of emerging economies including China. (Kyodo)With few positive signs of recovery for Japan’s slumping economy, foreign tourism remains a sole ray of hope, and tourism authorities, local governments, industry players as well as retailers are eagerly awaiting another possibly record-breaking surge in Chinese tourists during next month’s Chinese New Year holiday. (Japan Times)China’s sagging economy sent the yuan falling more than 1.4% against the dollar in the first two weeks of 2016. This has pummeled stock prices and commodity currencies around the globe. Tokyo stocks have been jolted, too. Yet for Japan, the weak yuan means more than just angst in the capital’s financial district. (Nikkei)Foreign investors sold more shares than they bought in the Tokyo market last week, triggering 5 consecutive days of decline in the key stock index. (NHK)The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry will launch a probe to identify companies neglecting their obligation to have employees join the appropriate public pension scheme, officials have said. (the-japan-news.com)Cheap oil basically benefits Japan, which primarily relies on imports for natural resources. (Jiji Press)Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday denied that he and Finance Minister Taro Aso are divided over how to finance the planned lower consumption tax rate chiefly for foods. (Jiji Press)Bosses hold back on pay raises for workers, creating a major stumbling block for Japan’s ‘Abenomics’ strategy for economic growth (wsj.com)There has been a lot of discussion recently about allowing more foreign workers into Japan to make up for severe labor shortages in some fields. As of the end of 2014, the labor ministry estimated there were 790,000 foreign nationals working in Japan legally, which is more than the number of national civil servants (640,000). (Japan Times)

Snowfall caused around 120 injuries, according to a Kyodo News tally. In Tokyo alone, over 40 people were taken to hospitals.

The snow temporarily brought bullet train services on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line to a crawl and caused suspensions of limited express trains connecting Tokyo and Nagano, and cancellations of more than 160 domestic flights. The Chuo Expressway was closed in some areas of Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures.

SMAP, one of the most popular and longest-lived Japanese pop groups, pledged to continue as a group Monday, days after media reports that they were on the verge of breaking up, as grieving of fans in Japan and other Asian countries apparently moved them. (Kyodo)The number of foreign passengers on international flights using Kansai International Airport in Osaka Prefecture topped 10 million in 2015 for the first time since it opened in 1994. (Japan Times)Heavy snow fell in parts of eastern and northeastern Japan early Monday, with snowfall reaching 6 centimeters in downtown Tokyo, resulting in injuries to more than 100 people and disruptions to transport. (Japan Today)A key index on the Tokyo Stock Exchange dipped below 17,0Ǡ points on Monday for the first time since last September. (NHK)About 7,500 lit bamboo lanterns form the date “1.17″ and the kanji characters for “mirai” (future) at the Higashi Yuenchi amusument park in Chuo Ward, Kobe, early Sunday morning, the 21st anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake. (the-japan-news.com)A minimum of 27,000 beef cutlets that should have been disposed out of fear they could include foreign objects were apparently sold to consumers. (Japan Times)Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said Monday that Japan’s economy is recovering moderately, though its exports and production have been affected by the slowing of emerging economies including China. (Kyodo)As much as we love the hustle and bustle of big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, it’s the secret, secluded sites in Japan that truly blow us away. One of the most stunning locations you’ll find off the beaten track is Motonosumi Inari Shrine in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, where 123 red torii shrine gates wind down along a mountain towards a cliff overlooking the Sea of Japan. (rocketnews24.com)Tokyo police have conducted an anti-terrorism drill, including the seizure of a suspicious drone by using an interceptor drone, ahead of the Tokyo Marathon next month. (Japan Times)Young kimono-clad women fired arrows in a New Year’s archery event at a Buddhist temple in Japan’s old capital of Kyoto on Sunday. (NHK)

The figure surged 59 percent from the previous year to 10.01 million, exceeding the number of Japanese users for the first time, which stood at 6.07 million, down 6.0 percent, New Kansai International Airport Co. said Monday.

The total number of passengers at the airport marked a record 23.21 million. The number of people on international flight jumped 24 percent toಐ.25 million, also a record high.

The number of foreign passengers on international flights using Kansai International Airport in Osaka Prefecture topped 10 million in 2015 for the first time since it opened in 1994. (Japan Times)As much as we love the hustle and bustle of big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, it’s the secret, secluded sites in Japan that truly blow us away. One of the most stunning locations you’ll find off the beaten track is Motonosumi Inari Shrine in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, where 123 red torii shrine gates wind down along a mountain towards a cliff overlooking the Sea of Japan. (rocketnews24.com)Young kimono-clad women fired arrows in a New Year’s archery event at a Buddhist temple in Japan’s old capital of Kyoto on Sunday. (NHK)It’s a world of physical and virtual twirls, sudden drops, aggressive giants, roaring monsters and persistent zombies. It’s a world of “kawaii” and pop, bubbling colors. It’s a story of fighting spirits and game, anime and manga-inspired stories, wrapped up in a cutting-edge technology and J-pop fashion. Welcome to Universal Studios Japan (USJ)’s “Universal Cool Japan 2016.” (Japan Today)Travel agency JTB will offer farm stays in Japan’s Tochigi Prefecture starting Friday in a bid to attract foreigners looking for an experience off the beaten trail. (Nikkei)The Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI) has decided to design new map symbols that are easier for foreigners to understand in preparation for the 2ዔ Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. (the-japan-news.com)The Great Buddha of Kamakura is undergoing its first major “health checkup” in more than half a century. (Asahi)More and more foreigners are coming to Japan to enjoy skiing and snowboarding.(NHK)A panel of experts set up by the health ministry and the tourism agency agreed Tuesday to ease regulations regarding paid accommodation in private homes in Japan, amid a growing number of foreign visitors to Japan. (Japan Today)The transport ministry has decided to set up body scanners, which can detect dangerous objects by seeing through the clothing of passengers, at all airports with international flights by 2020, according to sources. (the-japan-news.com)

At the outset of their TV variety show “SMAP X SMAP,” the five members appeared live, standing in a line and wearing black suits. After apologizing to fans for causing anxiety, they said they learned anew how much they are supported by fans and said they will strive to go forward together no matter what from now on. Sources at their management agency said SMAP will continue to exist.

Takuya Kimura, at center, said that “SMAP has given many people much worries and trouble since last week” when the reports emerged. “I thought the situation, if left unattended, might lead to a midair breakup of SMAP,” said the 43-year-old member, who apparently worked to prevent the four other members from quitting their agency.

SMAP, one of the most popular and longest-lived Japanese pop groups, pledged to continue as a group Monday, days after media reports that they were on the verge of breaking up, as grieving of fans in Japan and other Asian countries apparently moved them. (Kyodo)The number of foreign passengers on international flights using Kansai International Airport in Osaka Prefecture topped 10 million in 2015 for the first time since it opened in 19Ⱦ. (Japan Times)Heavy snow fell in parts of eastern and northeastern Japan early Monday, with snowfall reaching 6 centimeters in downtown Tokyo, resulting in injuries to more than 100 people and disruptions to transport. (Japan Today)A key index on the Tokyo Stock Exchange dipped below 17,000 points on Monday for the first time since last September. (NHK)About 7,500 lit bamboo lanterns form the date “1.17″ and the kanji characters for “mirai” (future) at the Higashi Yuenchi amusument park in Chuo Ward, Kobe, early Sunday morning, the 21st anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake. (the-japan-news.com)A minimum of 27,000 beef cutlets that should have been disposed out of fear they could include foreign objects were apparently sold to consumers. (Japan Times)Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said Monday that Japan’s economy is recovering moderately, though its exports and production have been affected by the slowing of emerging economies including China. (Kyodo)As much as we love the hustle and bustle of big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, it’s the secret, secluded sites in Japan that truly blow us away. One of the most stunning locations you’ll find off the beaten track is Motonosumi Inari Shrine in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, where 123 red torii shrine gates wind down along a mountain towards a cliff overlooking the Sea of Japan. (rocketnews24.com)Tokyo police have conducted an anti-terrorism drill, including the seizure of a suspicious drone by using an interceptor drone, ahead of the Tokyo Marathon next month. (Japan Times)Young kimono-clad women fired arrows in a New Year’s archery event at a Buddhist temple in Japan’s old capital of Kyoto on Sunday. (NHK)

Broadcast live on satellite network Sky PerfecTV!â�s adult pay channel, the two-day event, held last month, is aimed at eradicating AIDS and has been held since 2003.

A record 7,175 people participated in the most recent event, raking in a little over ¥6 million. Participants need to be 18 years or older, and each year a few women can be found among the men waiting in line.

Not everyone, however, finds the event in good taste.

“This event hides behind the front of being a ‘charity event’ but in reality, the participants are basically just paying to touch bare breasts,” said Change.org on its website, which started collecting signatures on Dec. 10. “Please stop exploiting women’s (bodies) for promotional and commercial aim.”

The website, in Japanese and English, sees the event as a play by the broadcaster to increase its viewership.

“Fundraising to support AIDS groups is much needed,” it read. “It can and should be done in ways that are appropriate in the public sphere, without exploiting women’s bodies and reinforcing sexism.”

Breaking fashion news: Japanese high school girls’ sock-lines are sinking! (rocketnewsǸ.com)The Nagano prefectural police raided on Saturday the office of Keyth Tour, a travel agency in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward, and other locations linked with Friday’s ski tour bus crash in central Japan that killed 14 people and injured 26 others. (Jiji Press)More than 8,600 people have signed an online petition to protest the annual Boob Aid fundraising event, which allows donors to the charity to touch the breasts of porn actresses. (Japan Times)The National Center for University Entrance Examinations on Saturday began two days of tests across the nation. The center said that 563,ᗀ students-4,636 more than last year-are sitting for the exams at 693 test centers nationwide. (Japan Today)An oil tanker is sinking after colliding with a gravel carrier in Tokyo Bay. Oil is spilling from the tanker. (NHK)Kengo Kuma, the architect of Japan’s new 2020 Olympics stadium, refuted allegations by British-Iraqi designer Zaha Hadid that his design borrowed from blueprints she made and which organizers dropped last year. (Japan Today)It’s a world of physical and virtual twirls, sudden drops, aggressive giants, roaring monsters and persistent zombies. It’s a world of “kawaii” and pop, bubbling colors. It’s a story of fighting spirits and game, anime and manga-inspired stories, wrapped up in a cutting-edge technology and J-pop fashion. Welcome to Universal Studios Japan (USJ)’s “Universal Cool Japan 2016.” (Japan Today)A 38-year-old man who drove his car onto the sidewalk in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district on June 24, 2014, killing one pedestrian and injuring six others, was sentenced to eight years in prison by the Tokyo District Court on Friday. (Japan Today)The city of Osaka passed the nation’s first ordinance by a major city against hate speech late Friday. (Japan Times)Japan’s Coast Guard says one of its aircraft has confirmed that ice floes are approaching the coast of the country’s northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido.(NHK)

The long-anticipated 164-day limited event, which brings together the best of Japanese manga, anime, games, and pop culture, launched officially on Friday as a revamped extension of last year’s hugely popular attraction lineup. Adding a new cutting-edge technology and a brand new pop ride into virtual reality, the 2016 installment features five attractions: a renewed Evangelion, Monster Hunter, Attack on Titan and Resident Evil, and a brand new thrilling ride inspired by popular singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s kawaii pop world.

The Evangelion section of the event, titled “Evangelion The Real 4D: 2.0,” features the franchise’s first 4D movie with an exclusive story that allows guests to see the world through Evangelion’s own eyes as he battles a powerful Angel. The story is fascinating, especially if you’re a fan of the series, but what stands out the most are the chilling effects coming from every corner of the attraction’s spare room. It’s a multisensory experience, complete by splashing blood (read, water), bomb blasts, vibrations, shocks and other effects — coming from under your seat.

The “Attack on Titan: The Real 2″ also features a heated-up original movie and a unique storytelling experience, by making use of three-dimensional maneuvering that lets you fly the skies and hit the ground in between fighting a female Titan. The mysterious Wall Titan also makes a significance appearance near the attraction’s entrance; watching over from a giant broken wall with a creepy, realistically exposed skin. Probably the currently best photo spot at the park.

“Monster Hunter: The Real” attraction, based on the new “Monster Hunter X” video game, pits guests against two giant roaring monsters in a surreal set of high-tech powerful effects on a par with Godzilla, Jurassic Park and the rest of the beast entourage. Also new this year is the chance to climb on a blade wyvern Dinovaldo for a great outdoor photo shoot (which may require some lining up).

It’s a world of physical and virtual twirls, sudden drops, aggressive giants, roaring monsters and persistent zombies. It’s a world of “kawaii” and pop, bubbling colors. It’s a story of fighting spirits and game, anime and manga-inspired stories, wrapped up in a cutting-edge technology and J-pop fashion. Welcome to Universal Studios Japan (USJ)’s “Universal Cool Japan 2016.” (Japan Today)Travel agency JTB will offer farm stays in Japan’s Tochigi Prefecture starting Friday in a bid to attract foreigners looking for an experience off the beaten trail. (Nikkei)The Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI) has decided to design new map symbols that are easier for foreigners to understand in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. (the-japan-news.com)The Great Buddha of Kamakura is undergoing its first major “health checkup” in more than half a century. (Asahi)More and more foreigners are coming to Japan to enjoy skiing and snowboarding.(NHK)A panel of experts set up by the health ministry and the tourism agency agreed Tuesday to ease regulations regarding paid accommodation in private homes in Japan, amid a growing number of foreign visitors to Japan. (Japan Today)The transport ministry has decided to set up body scanners, which can detect dangerous objects by seeing through the clothing of passengers, at all airports with international flights by 2020, according to sources. (the-japan-news.com)Thousands of people took part in a New Year race at a Shinto shrine in western Japan on Sunday. The winner is crowned the year’s “luckiest man.” (NHK)The number of visitors to Japan in 2016 will surge 19.0 pct from the previous year to hit another record high of 23.5 million, topping the government’s target of 20 million, according to a recent estimate by major travel agency JTB Corp. (Jiji Press)My alarm sounded at 6:45 a.m., but I quickly silenced it and rolled over in my futon. I enjoyed a fleeting moment of quietude before the thrumming of rubber soles on pavement and accompanying excited voices crescendoed, a brief multilingual hubbub that then faded away for a minute or two before rising up again. It was starting. (Japan Times)

“In the design, I would like to say there are no similarities at all,” Kuma told reporters when asked Friday about complaints by London-based Zaha Hadid Architects over apparent similarities between her design and Kuma’s.

Kuma noted, however, that both architects had to meet strict specifications for the new, 80,000-seat structure in downtown Tokyo that will replace Japan’s old National Stadium.

“The conditions set for the competition mean that automatically some similarities emerge,” he said. He added that “the concept is completely different, so it is absolutely a different building, despite the similarities.”

Hadid’s company on Thursday said that the Japan Sport Council was withholding money owed for work on the 2020 Tokyo stadium design, while demanding her company give up claims to copyrights.

After her original design was rejected as too costly, Hadid complained the new design chosen by the sport council, made by Kengo Kuma Associates, in collaboration with two companies that earlier worked with her team, was similar.

Breaking fashion news: Japanese high school girls’ sock-lines are sinking! (rocketnews24.com)The Nagano prefectural police raided on Saturday the office of Keyth Tour, a travel agency in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward, and other locations linked with Friday’s ski tour bus crash in central Japan that killed 14 people and injured 26 others. (Jiji Press)More than 8길 people have signed an online petition to protest the annual Boob Aid fundraising event, which allows donors to the charity to touch the breasts of porn actresses. (Japan Times)The National Center for University Entrance Examinations on Saturday began two days of tests across the nation. The center said that 563,768 students-4,636 more than last year-are sitting for the exams at 693 test centers nationwide. (Japan Today)An oil tanker is sinking after colliding with a gravel carrier in Tokyo Bay. Oil is spilling from the tanker. (NHK)Kengo Kuma, the architect of Japan’s new 2020 Olympics stadium, refuted allegations by British-Iraqi designer Zaha Hadid that his design borrowed from blueprints she made and which organizers dropped last year. (Japan Today)It’s a world of physical and virtual twirls, sudden drops, aggressive giants, roaring monsters and persistent zombies. It’s a world of “kawaii” and pop, bubbling colors. It’s a story of fighting spirits and game, anime and manga-inspired stories, wrapped up in a cutting-edge technology and J-pop fashion. Welcome to Universal Studios Japan (USJ)’s “Universal Cool Japan 2016.” (Japan Today)A 38-year-old man who drove his car onto the sidewalk in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district on June 24, 2014, killing one pedestrian and injuring six others, was sentenced to eight years in prison by the Tokyo District Court on Friday. (Japan Today)The city of Osaka passed the nation’s first ordinance by a major city against hate speech late Friday. (Japan Times)Japan’s Coast Guard says one of its aircraft has confirmed that ice floes are approaching the coast of the country’s northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido.(NHK)

The Japan Coast Guard says it was notified of the accident by the tanker crew shortly after noon on Saturday.

The collision occurred between the city of Kawasaki, south of Tokyo, and Kisarazu City.

An early report says there were no injuries among the 3-member crew, as they moved onto the gravel carrier.

Breaking fashion news: Japanese high school girls’ sock-lines are sinking! (rocketnews24.com)The Nagano prefectural police raided on Saturday the office of Keyth Tour, a travel agency in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward, and other locations linked with Friday’s ski tour bus crash in central Japan that killed 14 people and injured 26 others. (Jiji Press)More than 8,600 people have signed an online petition to protest the annual Boob Aid fundraising event, which allows donors to the charity to touch the breasts of porn actresses. (Japan Times)The National Center for University Entrance Examinations on Saturday began two days of tests across the nation. The center said that 563,768 students-4,636 more than last year-are sitting for the exams at 693 test centers nationwide. (Japan Today)An oil tanker is sinking after colliding with a gravel carrier in Tokyo Bay. Oil is spilling from the tanker. (NHK)Kengo Kuma, the architect of Japan’s new 2020 Olympics stadium, refuted allegations by British-Iraqi designer Zaha Hadid that his design borrowed from blueprints she made and which organizers dropped last year. (Japan Today)It’s a world of physical and virtual twirls, sudden drops, aggressive giants, roaring monsters and persistent zombies. It’s a world of “kawaii” and pop, bubbling colors. It’s a story of fighting spirits and game, anime and manga-inspired stories, wrapped up in a cutting-edge technology and J-pop fashion. Welcome to Universal Studios Japan (USJ)’s “Universal Cool Japan 2016.” (Japan Today)A 38-year-old man who drove his car onto the sidewalk in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district on June 24, 2014, killing one pedestrian and injuring six others, was sentenced to eight years in prison by the Tokyo District Court on Friday. (Japan Today)The city of Osaka passed the nation’s first ordinance by a major city against hate speech late Friday. (Japan Times)Japan’s Coast Guard says one of its aircraft has confirmed that ice floes are approaching the coast of the country’s northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido.(NHK)